More important, though, is that I’m feeling friendlier toward my new
buddy (not quite BFF), the Bic. Not the Bic CristalI paid less than a quarter for; it’s the one I picked up at a hotel
– free. Its point is fine enough that it doesn’t have blobbing issues, and if I
regulate the pressure the way I would a pencil, I seem to get the best results.

Hatching no longer feels like an onerous task. I enjoy the
meditative quality of filling in spaces with lines. After the more difficult
work of drawing the contour (which I also enjoy, but it takes more
concentration and effort), hatching is relaxing and rewarding while still being
challenging in a different way.

Coincidentally, an Atlantic
article that was published in 2015 came to my attention last week. How the Ballpoint Pen Killed Cursive
talks about how the invention of the ballpoint in the ‘40s “changed how most
people experience ink.” Compared to a fountain pen, the most commonly used type
of pen before the ‘50s, ballpoints require more pressure and significantly
changed the way most people write.

10/15/18 Pear and tomato

That was one of the first things I noticed when I started
drawing with ballpoint: I have to apply more pressure and use a different grip
than I do with the fountain pens, brush pens and pencils that I’m more familiar
with. Like any tool, it takes a while to get used to.

Of course, I still need much practice – 23 days with a new
art material is hardly sufficient to learn how to use it – but I do feel more
confident now. It helps that I’m choosing mostly simple objects to practice
with.